Love Her - Andrea Johnston Page 0,67
with puppy dog eyes.
I may regret bringing these two together. I can already feel the loss of control on day one. Shifting my gaze from Connor to Jacob and finally resting on Clem, I note her eyes focused on our joined hands. Sucking in air, I wait for the potential fallout. To my surprise, she smiles and looks up to me. Happiness is written all over her and I sigh in relief.
“Well, come on already. No sense in making a scene.”
Ushering in this motley crew, I let them all clamor to the counter and I make my way over to Brian and Gigi. Sitting with a banana split between them, Gigi is rubbing her ever growing baby belly and smiles my way.
“Hey guys,” I greet them as I lean down and hug Gigi.
“Family outing?” she asks with a mischievous grin on her face. Gigi knows this is a huge step for me and has been encouraging me all week to let it all happen organically. Brian abandons us to speak with Connor.
“Stop teasing.”
Taking the seat next to her, I watch as the kids accept their cones from the young man wearing a paper cap on his head. Like a good big sister, Clem hands Jacob a few napkins and ushers him in our direction.
“Say hi to Miss Gigi and then why don’t you take that table over there.”
After a chorus of hellos, the kids move to the empty table a few feet away. Turning my attention back to my friend, I wait for the twenty questions.
“How’s it going?”
“Good. Great actually.”
“I’m glad. You deserve to be happy, Lis. Let this happen. He’s a good guy and anyone with two eyes can see how much he adores you.”
Looking over to where Connor and Brian have joined the kids, I catch his eye. He winks and then like some sort of dessert porn slowly licks his cone. Tugging my bottom lip between my teeth, he smirks and then gives Clem his full attention.
“Damn, girl. If I wasn’t already pregnant, I would have been after that look.”
“Shut up.”
Gigi and I laugh as she finishes off the banana split. Each of our little groups finish their treats before exiting the small shop. Once we’re out on the sidewalk, we say our goodbyes and once again taking my hand, Connor and I follow the kids back to the truck.
During the drive back to Lexington, the kids are much quieter than earlier. A few times I wondered if they’d fallen asleep. I know it’s going to be an early night for both of them, as we pull into the driveway. Slowly, we pour out of the truck’s doors. Jacob is hunched over like walking is a chore for him. The front door opens before we hit the bottom step of the porch. Mom is standing with a huge smile on her face and ushers the kids in.
“Y’all come on in and get some dinner. What is all over your face, Jacob?”
“Ice cream because Connor and I are the champions.”
Laughing, she gives me a knowing look. Clementine pauses at the door, her back to us and then quicker than I’ve seen her move in a long time, rushes to Connor and wraps her arms around his waist.
“Thank you for a fun day.”
The look on his face is priceless. Shock is the initial look and then confusion. Arms hanging at his side, he lifts one hand and . . . pats her head. Oh good grief.
“Okay, honey. Go on inside. I’ll be there in a minute.” I pry my daughter from her vice grip and usher her inside.
When I turn back to a bewildered Connor, I break out in giggles.
“Uh, that was unexpected.”
Shrugging, I sit down on the porch swing. When he settles in next to me, I shift into his side, resting my head on his shoulder. “Unwelcome?”
“Not at all. I wasn’t sure Clem really took to me. She was quiet most of the afternoon.”
“Don’t take it personally. She’s been through a lot. Not only with the divorce, but the years prior. Earlier this school year, she’s dealt with some bullying and is still learning to trust people. You’ll never know how much that hug mattered.”
Placing a kiss to the top of my head he pulls me a little closer. We sit in silence, rocking back and forth until I begin to yawn. Rising from the swing, Connor offers me his hand and pulls me to stand. Keeping it family friendly in case we have little eyes, or